Results: Chapter 3.1: Eusparassus in Eurasia

the specimens which had been misidentified. No material of Latreille can be traced in MNHN and it is generally understood that none exists. Consequently, it is necessary to designate a neotype for E. dufouri at this time to establish its identity, define the nominal taxon objectively and avoid taxonomic confusion with similar and closely related species in the Iberian Peninsula (i.e. E. levantinus Urones, 2006), in Northern Africa [i.e. E. oraniensis (Lucas, 1846)] and in eastern Mediterranean (i.e. E. walckenaeri). There are two forms in the Iberian Peninsula, E. dufouri of uncertain identity, and E. levantinus, which was described by Urones (2006). The latter species is distributed in Eastern and Southern Spain while it is replaced by E. dufouri in western Iberian Peninsula. Accordingly, a neotype is designated for E. dufouri from western Iberian Peninsula in the border of Portugal and Spain, in Montalvão.

Based on the distribution map presented by Urones (2006) and also distribution records of the present study, type locality is selected to be as far as possible from the distribution range of E.

levantinus. Specimens were freshly collected and DNA samples are available.

Doubtful record. Simon (1932: 890) stated that the single report of the species from France (Pyrenees-Orientales) was actually collected from a shipment from Spain, Iberia.

Known geographical distribution and habitat. Western Iberian Peninsula in Spain and Portugal, mostly under stones; under old tree bark in the southeast of Portugal (Barrancos Valley), including Eucalyptus trees. (S. Henriques, personal observation).

Results: Chapter 3.1: Eusparassus in Eurasia

(SMF) Diagnosis. Similar to E. dufouri but distinguished by shape of embolus tip, which is smaller, slimmer and pointed in ventral view, and dRTA which is straighter (Figure 4E–G); in vulva, glandular pores situated on a semicircular process which is fused to entire body of vulva (Figure 4D), in contrast they are present on a separated curved structure in E. dufouri females.

Diagnosis. The species can be recognised by a combination of somatic and genital characters.

Males can be distinguished by hyaline and slender ET pointed retrolaterad in left palp and twisted at its distal end (Figure 5E). In female, AMLL not fused anteriorly (Figures 5F, 6A, C) (i.e., fused in E. dufouri); glandular pores located on a circular depression in vulva, behind loop (Figures, 5G, 6B, D) (i.e., E. mesopotamicus spec. nov. and several other species on a projection part). Mostly a patch of intermarginal denticles (3–20) is present in cheliceral furrow (Figures 5B, 6E–G) (usually absent or if present 1 or two denticles in other Eurasian species).

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